'Better teachers'

A Welsh government spokesman said the decision to define a small school as one with fewer than 91 pupils was taken because the results of a consultation favoured using the same definition as Estyn and the WAO.

"We expect local authorities to be discussing federation proposals with schools at an early stage, explaining the benefits and opportunities to allay concerns from the school community," the spokesman said.

"It's important to keep in mind that federation is not about school closures - it is about schools working together and sharing a governing body.

"Schools that are federated remain in their communities, retain their own identity and budget, ethos and name.

"Federation of schools, especially small schools, offers opportunities to share resources including staff, facilities and budgets and would allow small schools to offer salaries that would attract better quality teachers," he added.